Shigella is primarily transmitted through which route?

• A. Person-to-person transmission, often via contaminated food and poor hand hygiene after bathroom use.
• B. Airborne transmission through coughing.
• C. Mosquito vectors.
• D. Water-only transmission.

Answer: (A)

Shigella spreads mainly through the fecal-oral route in a person-to-person pattern. The bacteria are shed in stool, and illness occurs when infected material contaminates hands, food, or objects and is ingested. Because Shigella is highly contagious and requires only a small dose to cause disease, poor hand hygiene after bathroom use and handling food is a common pathway for transmission. Airborne spread, mosquitoes, and a water-only route do not describe the typical means by which Shigella spreads; water can be involved, but the most common and impactful route is contamination of hands and foods that are then eaten. Emphasizing handwashing, safe food handling, and proper sanitation helps prevent these transmissions.